MKD - Lazovski expects steady improvement before Caracas

KAUNAS (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - The new coach of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Marjan Lazovski, remains upbeat about his side's chances of reaching the London Games despite falling to Russia in a friendly on Thursday.

The clash was played in Kaunas, Lithuania, and FYROM lost 80-61 to the team that edged them in last year's bronze medal game at the EuroBasket.

On Thursday, FYROM led 35-30 at half-time but lost the initiative in the third quarter when Russia outscored them, 26-14.

Russia then blew them out in the fourth, pouring in 24 more points.

"We played against a really strong team that had all its players and was fully focused throughout the game," Lazovski said.

"We looked good in the first half and played well, with control over the game and the outcome, but after an injury to Marques Green, we made a few mistakes very quickly became unglued.

"Their (Russia's) experience played a very important role in the second half and we did not get many opportunities to get closer."

While Russia were at full strength with Andrei Kirilenko in the squad and the other key men that played at last year's EuroBasket, FYROM were not.

Captain Pero Antic did not play, and Vlado Ilievski sat out with an injury.

Todor Gechevski, who is retiring from the national side after this summer, and Bo McCalebb were also missing.

McCalebb is currently with Montepaschi Siena in the Italian play-off championship.

"We'll continue to work hard and know that we'll get better and better," Lazovski said.

He says that results do not matter at this stage, even with the OQT getting underway on 2 July in Caracas, Venezuela.

FYROM and Russia are among the 12 teams playing for the three qualifying spots to the London Games.

"The important thing is to reach the desirable approach to the game and the desired rhythm," the coach said.

"We need to be there when we get to Venezuela."

FYROM have left Kaunas to train in Klaipeda and they will take on Lithuania in a friendly on Saturday.


FIBA